Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.
These symptoms may take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their physician.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that is found in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1 to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a myriad of commercial and household products. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.
Only a handful of doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to develop, they do know that about one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and can affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a fluid accumulation around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or an pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of the disease and help them find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. People who have a family history of mesothelioma have a higher risk, too.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers reaching the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is most commonly found in those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have many symptoms that are difficult to recognize.
As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to expand and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors don't know the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.
The lining of the abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. It is the main site for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.
After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms may take years to show up. The symptoms are usually similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger the condition where the fingertips swell and appear more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on a patient's medical background. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they'll also take samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart disorders and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed significantly. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed which makes it difficult to detect the link. Anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
The exact cause of
mesothelioma attorneys pericardial remains unclear however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ, which leads to symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are generally carried out by doctors first to look for any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a doctor. asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via
mesothelioma lawsuits (
relevant internet site).
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial
mesothelioma attorneys, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can assist you to understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. No fees are charged unless we are able to get compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the numerous laws that affect asbestos sufferers and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will guide you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then use various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, causing cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy time period of latency, it's crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to see an expert doctor right away. It is also essential to be upfront about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial
mesothelioma attorneys, one of the rarest types of mesothelioma is responsible for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it can mimic other heart conditions or signs.
The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor might also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to check for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they detect fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and see whether the lining has become thicker.
If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma is a smaller range of treatment options than other types, a majority of patients will not be able to recover from the disease. However, there are new treatment options being studied that could offer better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from a person's body in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is another option that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.